apparatus
noun
ap·pa·ra·tus
ˌa-pə-ˈra-təs 
-ˈrā-
-ˈrā-
plural apparatuses or apparatus
1
a
: a set of materials or equipment designed for a particular use
b
: a group of anatomical or cytological parts functioning together
mitotic apparatus
c
: an instrument or appliance designed for a specific operation
an apparatus for measuring vision
2
: the functional processes by means of which a systematized activity is carried out
the apparatus of society
: such as
a
: the machinery of government
b
: the organization of a political party or an underground movement
Examples of apparatus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The new order sets up the regulatory streamlining apparatus and agenda at federal agencies.
—
Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
This year, the gathering is expected to again highlight how united the political apparatus is around his vision for the future, despite the country’s economic hurdles.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN, 3 Mar. 2025
If a 10-year-old won an Oscar today, there would be, for better and for worse, an entire apparatus behind them, intent on keeping the momentum going.
—Kate Aurthur, Variety, 26 Feb. 2025
The state of Florida’s foreign trade and investment apparatus does not appear to have any role in the operation.
—David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apparatus
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Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
This year, the gathering is expected to again highlight how united the political apparatus is around his vision for the future, despite the country’s economic hurdles.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN, 3 Mar. 2025
If a 10-year-old won an Oscar today, there would be, for better and for worse, an entire apparatus behind them, intent on keeping the momentum going.
—Kate Aurthur, Variety, 26 Feb. 2025
The state of Florida’s foreign trade and investment apparatus does not appear to have any role in the operation.
—David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apparatus
Cite this Entry
“Apparatus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apparatus. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
apparatus
noun
ap·pa·ra·tus
ˌap-ə-ˈrat-əs
-ˈrāt-
-ˈrāt-
plural apparatuses or apparatus
1
: the equipment or material for a particular use or job
laboratory apparatus
2
: a complicated instrument or device
Medical Definition
apparatus
noun
ap·pa·ra·tus
ˌap-ə-ˈrat-əs
-ˈrāt-
-ˈrāt-
plural apparatuses or apparatus
: a group of anatomical and cytological parts having a common function
the respiratory apparatus
see golgi apparatus
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